CAULFIELD CUP REUNION FOR OLD DUO 'MOOR-AMASA'

After bidding farewell to Kranji, Aussie rider back on Cups horse

- Michael Lee

Only a crowbar could have prised Daniel Moor off the ride on Muramasa in the A$5 million (S$4.4 million) Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2,400m) on Oct 19.

Even if, hypothetically, Singapore racing had not flatlined on Oct 5, the Australian jockey said he would have still flown out of Kranji to take the steer.

The Muramasa-Moor success story - which could have led to the portmanteau name of "Mooramasa" - began since their winning debut in Sale on Sept 1, 2022.

Three more wins have come their way, including two at Group 3 level, but it was the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained galloper's last win in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2,600m) on Nov 11, 2023 that told Moor he might have his golden ticket a year from then.

"After his win in the QE Stakes, I told the owners Ozzie Kheir and John O'Neill he was their next Melbourne Cup horse," said Moor.

"As it turned out, he's all paid up for this year's Melbourne Cup and is qualified. If all goes well, he should be a runner.

"Obviously, it'll also depend on how he goes in the Caulfield Cup. That was part of his programme.

"I may have been in Singapore at his prep runs, but I had the Caulfield Cup ride locked in.

"I've always been great friends with Trent and Natalie. I'm their go-to rider or first option for their lightweight horses.

"Even if Singapore racing was still going on, I would've come back for the ride by getting a release."